Agriculture is important to Somalia’s economy and food security. The valleys of the Shabelle and Juba rivers contain valuable farmland, while rain-fed farmers follow the Gu and Deyr seasons closely. Yet the presence of a river does not guarantee a good harvest. Blocked canals, poorly coordinated water distribution, floods, drought, expensive fuel and poor roads can all affect crops and household income.

The Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme (JOSP), led by FAO with government and partner institutions, is designed to reduce flood and drought impacts and strengthen irrigation and agricultural production. The programme lists expected impacts by the end of the project: irrigation access for more than 300,000 people, reduced flood risk for 1.5 million people and drought mitigation for 1.65 million people. These are programme targets, not figures showing that all these people have already received the benefits.

The central lesson is that irrigation infrastructure must be built and maintained. A canal cannot provide a lasting solution without a maintenance system, water-management arrangements and clear agreements among farmers. Practical measures include a water distribution schedule, maintenance teams, information about river levels and a fair process for resolving disputes over water use.

Small-scale farmers also need advice on suitable seed varieties, crop storage, soil management, pest control and access to markets. Better links between farms, transport, storage facilities and traders can reduce post-harvest losses.

Agriculture in Somalia is not only about producing crops during the rainy season. It is a system connecting water, land, knowledge, markets and community cooperation. Strengthening these parts together can help make river-based farming more resilient.

Irrigation, floods and water governance

River-based farming needs regular information about water levels, canal conditions and irrigation schedules. When farmers know whether water is expected to be abundant or scarce, they can make better decisions about crops and planting times. Canals need planned clearing of sediment and debris, with maintenance carried out carefully to avoid damaging surrounding land.

Floods can destroy crops, homes and roads, so technical assessment, early warning and protected water routes are essential. The Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme is an effort to strengthen water storage, reduce flood risk and support irrigation; programme targets should be distinguished from verified results. Small-scale farmers also need advice on seeds, soil fertility, pests, storage and market access. Women working in agriculture should be included in decisions and training.

Image: Aerial view of the Shabelle River and farmland near Beledweyne, 2022. Photo: ATMIS Somalia; CC0 1.0. Image source · Image licence.

Growing seasons and crop choices

Somali farming includes both rain-fed and irrigated systems. Areas along the Shabelle and Juba rivers have irrigation opportunities, while many other farms depend heavily on the Gu and Deyr rains. Farmers need to select crops suited to their soil, water availability and growing season. Seed varieties that do not suit local conditions, or planting when rainfall is expected to be poor, can increase losses. Agricultural advisers and climate information can help farmers make decisions based on evidence.

Maize, sorghum, sesame, beans, vegetables and fruit have different water and management requirements. Crop diversification, rotation and soil fertility practices can reduce the risk of depending on a single crop. In riverine areas, water quality, soil salinity and waterlogging also need attention when irrigation is excessive or drainage channels are blocked.

Canals, floods and water management

Irrigation is more than releasing water into fields. It requires an agreed distribution schedule, canal maintenance, drainage, riverbank protection and a fair process for resolving disputes. In March 2026, FAO SWALIM published maps and an assessment of river breakages along the Juba and Shabelle, classifying locations with open breakages, overflow, canal damage and areas temporarily closed with sandbags. This technical information shows why maintenance and regular monitoring matter before rainy seasons. The Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme lists expected targets that include irrigation access for more than 300,000 people, reduced flood risk for 1.5 million people and drought mitigation for 1.65 million people. These are programme targets, not verified results showing that all benefits have already been delivered.

After harvest: storage, transport and markets

Harvested crops can lose value if they are not dried, stored or transported properly. Clean, ventilated stores, suitable bags or containers, pest control and transport planning can reduce losses. Small-scale farmers may benefit from producer groups that purchase inputs together, share equipment and transport products collectively. Information about prices and quality can help farmers decide when and where to sell.

Connecting agriculture with food security

Agriculture links production, nutrition, employment and trade. Sustainable progress requires women and young farmers to have fair access to land, training, tools and markets; transparent water management; and protection of natural resources. No single technique is suitable for every region. Plans should be based on local evidence, professional advice and farmers’ experience, with results measured through yields, losses and household income.

Sources and further reading